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Original poster

Should we go to a and e?

539 replies

ChatterMonkey · 12/03/2022 07:49

Dp has been feeling rubbish for a week now, with pain caused by constipation. He hasnt had a bowel movement for a week now. The pain is constant, with waves of agonising pain.

Hes struggling to be able to medicate it, as hes not allowed to have anti inflammatory medication for seperate issues, and is wary about codeine based medicine as that causes constipation. Paracetomol isnt touching the sides of the pain.

The plan was to get a doctor appointment on monday, but the pain was really severe last night, im not sure we should wait till monday. He mentioned yesterday that the blockage is starting to affect his ability to pee properly which i think is worrying?

Hes alsp worrying now that the constipation is a side effect of something more serious, as theres nothing we can think thats triggered it. Hes worried about gallstones, or bowel cancer.

Is it worth going to a and e, are they likely going to he able to do anything, even if its just investigate and rule out some of the more scary possibilities thats worrying dp? Or would we likely be waiting ages and then sent away with a box of laxido?

OP posts:
Sexnotgender · 12/03/2022 20:21

That sounds rough, hopefully things move soon…

Shuffleuplove · 12/03/2022 20:27

One of my children has a condition which gives him a sluggish bowel and his consultant always says, like a mantra, if you’re not sure if it’s out, it’s not all out. He also said it’s almost impossible to OD on laxatives in the case of impacted bowel. Keep going till it’s out.

Shuffleuplove · 12/03/2022 20:28

Don’t stick with the 6 I mean. My child was given 200ml of picolax in hospital, plus an enema, and he was only 10. That shifted it.

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Theunamedcat · 12/03/2022 20:32

Having been there with the constipation the gas is a good sign things are moving the stomach cramps are an utter bitch do you have any buscapam in? Or a hot water bottle? Worst night of my life on the loo waiting for the world to move cuddling a hot water bottle

Never take codeine and don't hydrate your ass off....EVER 😂

BrutusMcDogface · 12/03/2022 20:39

Lactulose worked for me when I was severely constipated. I hope he’s ok and it’s not a sign of something else; hopefully it’s “just” a blockage but one that can be shifted. Poor thing 💐

tkwal · 12/03/2022 20:40

Don't worry about the blood tests , they will be ruling things out rather than looking for something specific
The morphine, if he hasn't had any in the last few years wouldn't raise any red flags at the hospital. Unfortunately they have to be so careful because they get so many addicts coming in looking to access drugs

lemmity · 12/03/2022 20:46

I saw this based on experience of colonoscopy prep rather than constipation, but it's a good idea to pop a couple of towels on the bed just in case things get moving in the middle of the night Blush

Fantasea · 12/03/2022 20:47

Hi OP, your poor DH has all my sympathy, I've had horrendous constipation from chemotherapy, just awful. The increase in gas and the urgency are really good signs but in my experience it could take a while yet, I was like that for a full day before I had success. The dose for faecal impaction is 8 a day I believe. The worst that would happen if indeed it turns out that the last 2 weren't necessary is that his movements would be a little loose for a couple of days, I was like this but I didn't care as I was just so relieved to have finally been.

heckythump01 · 12/03/2022 20:47

A hot bath with the window open so I didn't cook really helped me......felt loads better when submerged......good luck, hope he goes soon 🙏

FiddlefigOnTheRoof · 12/03/2022 20:48

I had to help a severely constipated relative, hospitalised. After the laxatives/suppository, the actual blockage coming out was agonisingly painful, and lasted a while.

FiddlefigOnTheRoof · 12/03/2022 20:48

And make sure he drinks a lot.

Towels on the bed is a good idea too.

picklemewalnuts · 12/03/2022 20:51

There's a main nerve that's affected, something like the vagus?

It can leave you faint and light headed. My first 'visit' after a gynae operation, I nearly fainted. The constipation, followed by the relief/release, was overwhelming!

FannyFifer · 12/03/2022 20:52

Hopefully things start moving soon.

SuperSocks · 12/03/2022 20:54

Poor chap!! Really hope he'll be feeling a whole lot better by tomorrow!

Ohsugarhoneyicetea · 12/03/2022 20:56

A couple of dulcolax do a much better job than laxido.

Lobworm · 12/03/2022 20:59

He should probably put some Vaseline on and around as it were, help things move more easily when they arrive as it were.

Original poster
ChatterMonkey · 12/03/2022 20:59

He has a hot water bottle which eases it a bit, and has a hot bath when its really bad (had one at 2am last night when it was really bad)

Nothing significant yet but i think its going in the right direction so will see how tonight/tomorrow goes!

OP posts:
LauraSaidIShouldBeNicer · 12/03/2022 21:00

Keep an eye on him when "passing the blockage" if it's big he could pass out.

tribpot · 12/03/2022 21:03

We've had issues with constipation and urinary urgency in this house as well OP so count me in as part of your support group waiting for a poo update. Hope tonight isn't too difficult and he's improving by morning.

Katya213 · 12/03/2022 21:03

Sounds like bowel obstruction. Need to go right away.

Tiddlesthecat · 12/03/2022 21:03

Re blood tests tomorrow, it's likely that they will be looking to see if there is any change in them tomorrow (for example, inflammation markers that could indicate grumbling appendicitis etc). That's what happened to my friend when she had suspected appendicitis.

YouCantTourniquetTheTaint · 12/03/2022 21:04

I hope your DP gets better soon, have you got a stool or step he can use when he goes to the loo? One that lifts his legs up? I only ask because it's more natural position when having a poo. It makes it easier IYSWIM?

SoosanCarter · 12/03/2022 21:05

@Katya213

Sounds like bowel obstruction. Need to go right away.
RTFT
Stroppypeople · 12/03/2022 21:10

I would ease off the laxido if he is now peeing and passing stools …just get him to drink 200mls water 1-2 hourly. Contact hospital if he stops peeing overnight. Constipation is notorious for causing Urinary retention which would involve a urinary catheter having to be used . Good luck to both of you 💐X

MakeThingsRight · 12/03/2022 21:11

Ooh hope he gets a star on star chart tomorrow for getting his poo in the loo!

Sorry - I know how awful it is. Broken ribs plus codeine plus straining 😱